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Sinn Féin meet agencies on Belfast Pilot Crisis De-Escalation centre

A Sinn Féin delegation consisting of North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín and West Belfast MLA Órlaithí Flynn meet with the Public Health Agency, Belfast Trust and reps from the Community and Voluntary sector today.

“At today's meeting we raised the issue around delays to the Belfast Pilot Crisis De-Escalation centre.

"It is essential this facility gets up and running as soon as possible so that those who may have suicidal ideation and want to seek help or support in times of crisis will have a service available to them.

"It is a matter of great urgency that the crisis de-esculation pilot is operational this year and that the money for this vital service is ring-fenced.

“Money for the ‘Protect Life’ strategy also needs to be released to provide greater certainty for those who support those families dealing with drugs and alcohol issues.

Carál Ní Chuilín continued:

“During the meeting we also asked the Belfast Trust about winter pressures facing them. The Head of the Belfast Trust told us that currently things under control and that they were not facing the same issues as other Trust areas.

“They assured us that their biggest concern was ensuring patient safety and that patients were treated with and received dignity when attending A&E.

“The reality is that Tory austerity backed by the DUP has piled pressure on onto our hard-pressed frontline services.

“Sinn Féin believe that locally elected ministers are best placed to run local public services and fight back against the threat of Tory austerity.”